CORVALLIS -- In his first action in nearly six weeks, Kevin
Cummings wasn't content settling into his starting slotback spot.

The Oregon State senior, who missed the Beavers' final four
regular-season games with a wrist injury, ran a few routes at split end during Wednesday's
practice. Though he doesn't have designs on playing the new position in the
Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl, Cummings figured understanding how to play another role
could someday help him when he pursues a coaching career.

"I didn't want to spend my time off feeling bad for myself,"
said Cummings, who expects to start his final college game when OSU faces Boise
State in Honolulu. "I did sometimes, but I spent most of that time out on the
field studying the game and the other positions. So now I'm confident in three
positions whereas before I was only confident in two."

Such foresight underscores the chief reason coaches are
pleased Cummings is back in pads. He's a leader, a thoughtful veteran who sets
an example for younger players on and off the field.

After struggling to find playing time his first four years in Corvallis, Cummings finally started
feeling comfortable with his role this season. He emerged as a go-to option on third and
fourth downs, moving the chains or recording a touchdown on 13 of his 23 grabs
in eight appearances.

At the time, the Culver City, Calif., native wasn't
guaranteed to play another college game. He settled into his new spot on the
sideline, embracing the opportunity to mentor redshirt freshman Malik Gilmore.
Cummings, who viewed the gig as an internship of sorts, educated his backup on
the intricacies of slotback.

Still, OSU missed Cummings come game days. As the Beavers
ended the regular season on a five-game losing streak, they had a tough time
capitalizing on third downs. When Cummings went down against the Cardinal, OSU
ranked 25th nationally in third-down conversions. It enters its bowl
appearance 63rd in the category.

"Obviously he's been a consistent player for us," wide
receivers coach Brent Brennan said. "He's a senior, this is his last game, all
that stuff. So it's great. It's great to have him back out there."

Cummings no longer feels any pain or soreness in his wrist.
At this point, he is simply trying to regain his range of motion so he can feel
confident catching the ball. He said he felt "really good" finally running
routes in practice Wednesday.

"I was very impressed," coach Mike Riley said of Cummings'
performance. "I'm very hopeful at this point that he keeps progressing, has no
setbacks and can play in the game. It'd be good for us and good for him."

Of course, the bowl game may not mark the end of Cummings' work with the Beavers. He plans to pursue a professional football career, but
is open to returning to the program at some point as a graduate assistant. He
has already discussed the possibility with Riley.

"He'd be an ideal guy to do that for us," Brennan said. "He's
an extremely hard worker. He's a good kid, and he loves football."

Added Cummings: "That'd be a dream come true."

Notes: After
missing the past two days of practice, tight end Connor Hamlett returned to the
field Wednesday. Riley said the junior is "day-to-day" after undergoing
meniscus surgery earlier this month ... Wide receiver Micah Hatfield missed his
second straight practice Wednesday with a bruised knee ... As part of an annual
tradition celebrating the final Corvallis practice of the season, players
switched jersey numbers with their teammates before Wednesday's session ... The
Beavers fly out of Portland around 10 a.m. Thursday and should arrive in
Honolulu around 2 p.m. Hawaii time.